Body Chemistry (film series) explained

Body Chemistry is a series of four films that focus on psychotic psychiatrist Dr. Claire Archer. The character was inspired by the one played by Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction.[1]

Films

Body Chemistry (1990)

See main article: Body Chemistry (1990 film). Body Chemistry is a 1990 erotic thriller film regarding a psychotic psychiatrist's obsession with her co-worker. It was directed and co-edited by Kristine Peterson and stars Marc Singer, Lisa Pescia, Mary Crosby, David Kagen, H. Bradley Barneson and Joseph Campanella. Executive produced by Roger Corman, Body Chemistry was inspired by the 1987 film Fatal Attraction, which had been a major success for distributor Paramount three years earlier.

The film follows Tom Redding as he studies human sexuality while trying to find a suitable balance between work and family life. However, when a new psychiatrist, Dr. Claire Archer, is brought onto his project, they begin to have a passionate affair, unlocking hidden dires deep within Tom that he never knew existed. However, when Archer pushes things too far, Tom tries to break off the affair, with devastating consequences.

Body Chemistry II: The Voice of a Stranger (1991)

See main article: Body Chemistry II: The Voice of a Stranger. Body Chemistry II: The Voice of a Stranger is a 1991 erotic thriller film and the sequel to the previous year's film Body Chemistry. The film follows Dr. Claire Archer as she becomes a radio psychiatrist in a small california desert town and becomes fixated on an ex-cop with a violent streak desperate for help. Lisa Pescia returns supported by a new cast including Gregory Harrison, Morton Downey Jr., Robin Riker, Clint Howard and John Landis.

Point of Seduction: Body Chemistry III (1994)

See main article: Point of Seduction: Body Chemistry III. Point of Seduction: Body Chemistry III is a 1994 erotic thriller film following the character of psychiatrist Dr. Claire Archer. It is directed by Jim Wynorski and produced by and stars Andrew Stevens, making his second film for Roger Corman after 1991's The Terror Within II. Lisa Pescia is replaced in the central role by Shari Shattuck. Chick Vennera plays Freddie Summers, a character played by David Kagen in Body Chemistry with a supporting cast including cult actors Morgan Fairchild, Robert Forster, Stella Stevens and Delia Sheppard.

Body Chemistry IV: Full Exposure (1995)

See main article: Body Chemistry IV: Full Exposure. Body Chemistry IV: Full Exposure is a 1995 erotic thriller film and the final sequel in the Body Chemistry film series. It was directed by returning helmer Jim Wynorski and follows on directly from , but with Dr. Claire Archer now played by erotic thriller queen Shannon Tweed. The film follows Dr. Claire Archer on trial for murder as she attempts to seduce and silence everyone who opposes her, including her own counsel. Stella Stevens is the only cast member to return from the previous film, although Andrew Stevens and Chick Vennera appear in archive footage from Body Chemistry III's final scene.

Cast and crew

Cast

Character
Body ChemistryBody Chemistry II:
Point of Seduction:
Body Chemistry IV:
Dr Claire ArcherLisa PesciaShari ShattuckShannon Tweed
Tom ReddingMarc Singer
Marlee ReddingMary Crosby
FreddieDavid KagenChick VenneraChick Vennera
Jason ReddingH. Bradley Barneson
Dr. PritchardJoseph Campanella
Dan PetersonGregory Harrison
Big ChuckMorton Downey Jr.Morton Downey Jr.
BrendaRobin Riker
LarabeeClint Howard
Dr. EdwardsJohn Landis
Alan ClayAndrew StevensAndrew Stevens
Beth ChaneyMorgan Fairchild
Bob SibleyRobert ForsterFred Grossinger
Frannie SibleyStella Stevens
WilheminaDelia Sheppard
Simon MichellLarry Poindexter
Judge HakawaMichael Paul Chan
Derrick RichmondLarry Manetti
Lane GoodwinMarta Martin
Charlotte SandersElaine Giftos

Crew

CrewFilm
Body ChemistryBody Chemistry II:
Point of Seduction:
Body Chemistry IV:
DirectorKristine PetersonAdam SimonJim Wynorski
Producer(s)Alida Camp
Roger Corman
Rodman Flender
Alida Camp
John Marshall
Roger Corman
Andrew Stevens
Roger Corman
Mike Elliott
Andrew Stevens
Screenwriter(s)Jackson BarrJackson Barr
Christopher Wooden
Jackson Barr
Karen Kelly [2]
Karen Kelly
ComposerTerry PlumeriNigel HoltonChuck CirinoPaul Di Franco
CinematographerPhedon PapamichaelRichard MichalakDon E. FauntLeRoyZoran Hochstätter
EditorNina M. GilbertiRichard GentnerTerry J. ChiappeVanick Moradian
Production companyConcorde ProductionsConcorde-New HorizonsSunset Films International

References

  1. Book: Encyclopedia of Film Themes, Settings and Series. 30. Richard B.. Armstrong. Mary Willems. Armstrong. McFarland. 2009. 9781476612300.
  2. A Fatally Attractive Foursome: The Body Chemistry Saga . The Schlock Pit . Matty Budrewicz and Dave Wain . June 2021 . Feb 21, 2024.